From the Pro: A proper grip essential part of the swing

A very common question that I get on a daily basis from my students is, “How can I get more distance?”

There are a lot of factors that produce distance. It is not just one thing during the golf swing that produces distance. It is a combination of hand-eye coordination, grip, balance, hip rotation, shoulder rotation and posture through impact.

Probably the most important part of the golf swing is the grip.

A proper grip will allow you to deliver the clubhead into the back of the ball with the back of the top hand at impact.

I think you should be able to see at least two knuckles on the back of your top hand with your thumb in the lifeline of your bottom hand. There should be a slight separation between the index finger and your middle finger.

Balance throughout the swing is crucial to distance. In order to have good balance you must have good posture. Posture is your spine angle. Think of your spine angle bending forward 45 degrees and maintaining that angle throughout the swing.

Proper shoulder turn on the backswing is key to proper hip rotation on the downswing.

By turning away from the ball so that you are loaded against the inside of your trailing leg with your upper back facing the target, you will be able to rotate your hips to start the downswing.

It is very important that your trailing hip starts the downswing, not your shoulders.

By keeping your shoulders turned longer you will gain more speed with your arms, hands, shaft and clubhead through impact for increased distance.

— Lee Martin is the director of instruction at River Ridge. He can be reached at 377-9629.